Held at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, the Sonepur Mela is a vibrant celebration of culture, spirituality, and trade. Known as Asia’s biggest cattle fair, it now offers a variety of attractions, from cultural performances and art stalls to food and crafts.
Inaugurated on November 13, the fair features an array of stalls selling everything from traditional Madhubani paintings and bamboo crafts to unique food items like ‘Shahi Halwa-Paratha’ and bamboo bud pickles.
The Shahi Halwa-Paratha stall has become a favorite among visitors, both old and new. This traditional dish, often seen as a taste of nostalgia, is a must-try at the fair. The ‘Shahi Halwa-Paratha’ is a tradition that everyone remembers, says a visitor, while Mohammad Adil from Gorakhpur, who runs a stall, shares, Even though there are fewer shops now, this dish still draws huge crowds.
Yunus, another vendor, recalls visiting the fair with his father as a child, helping set up the stall. My grandfather started this stall 70 years ago, he adds, and I’m proud to keep the flavor and tradition alive.
For those who crave something tangy, the Baskail pickle, made from bamboo buds, is a popular choice. This unique pickle, commonly found in the Jharkhand region, is drawing a lot of attention at the fair.
The bamboo stalls have also become a big hit, with many visitors eager to learn how to make their bamboo creations. The fair even offers training on bamboo crafts, helping people develop skills for self-employment. Sonepur Mela continues to be a celebration of tradition, culture, and community, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
